The United States Women’s Eagles staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Ireland 40-36 in the opening match of the WXV Global Series at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium on Sunday.

Coached by Dublin native Jack Hanratty, the visitors overturned a 19-point second-half deficit by scoring four converted tries during a dominant spell in the final 30 minutes.

Scott Bemand’s Ireland side got off to a quick start, establishing a 17-0 lead within the opening 20 minutes following early tries from Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, and Aoife Wafer. Ireland maintained their control into the break, taking a 24-12 lead into half-time after Eve Higgins touched down. When flanker Dorothy Wall crossed for Ireland’s fifth try shortly after the restart, extending the scoreline to 31-12, the home side appeared firmly on course for victory.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically around the hour mark. Following a yellow card for Elmes Kinlan for failing to roll away at a breakdown, the USA capitalized on the player advantage. Kathryn Treder crossed for two tries in quick succession, alongside scores from Hallie Taufoou and player of the match Freda Tafuna. Fly-half Bella Vogel successfully converted five of the team's six tries, powering the USA ahead 40-31 as the match entered its closing stages.

Ireland rallied late on, with Wall scoring her second try of the afternoon to cut the deficit to four points and set up a tense finish. However, the American defense held firm during Ireland's final attacking phase into injury time, securing an opening win for the eighth-ranked USA over fifth-ranked Ireland.